October brought new restaurant concepts to the Valley, and some of those came from other cities ready to try a hand at the Phoenix dining scene. Other restaurant newcomers boast $2 street tacos, seafood with a barbecue twist, and Southwestern comfort food.
But this month also brought tough news. We said goodbye to longtime Valley staples like Scott’s Generations, while New Garden’s future hangs in the balance. As exciting as welcoming new restaurants is, it’s hard not to feel the loss of places that helped establish our dining scene.
Here’s a look at the restaurants that opened, reopened, and closed across metro Phoenix in October.
Openings
Cowboy Seafood Opens in Uptown Phoenix
There’s a new sheriff in town, and we were invited to get an early look. Cowboy Seafood gives off polished but fun vibes, with good food to boot (pun intended). Located in Uptown Phoenix, where parking is plentiful, the restaurant ropes fresh seafood and traditional barbecue together, all with a Southwestern kick.
Quiriego Brings Sonoran Cuisine From Hermosillo to Scottsdale
Did you know that Hermosillo, Mexico, is Phoenix’s sister city? No better way to celebrate our sisterhood than by bringing a Hermosillo restaurant to the Valley. Quiriego, focused on Sonoran ingredients and live-fire cooking, just opened in Scottsdale. We’re also keeping an eye on the bakery, which offers conchas, kouign-amann, and tres leches cake.
Prescott Group Opens First Valley Restaurant
Hero, the Italian restaurant from Vivili Hospitality Group marks the first of three concepts planned from the Prescott Group. Located on Roosevelt Row, Hero is said to be a vibrant take on the modern Italian neighborhood restaurant, offering guests handmade pasta and a patio to please. We can’t wait to check this one out and report back.
Hook N’ Cleaver Premium Market Opens in North Scottsdale
North Scottsdale’s new butcher shop and lunch destination is Hook N’ Cleaver Premium Market. This one’s all about whole ingredients and a seed oil-free kitchen. At the butcher counter, you’ll find New York strips, filets, ribeyes, organic chicken, duck, fresh fish, and shrimp. So next time you’re in the mood for some fresh meat, head to the newest meat market in town.
Tap N Taco Opens Downtown Chandler Restaurant With $2 Tacos
Tap N Taco, a New Mexico restaurant serving up street tacos and beer (two of our favorite things!), opened the first Arizona location in downtown Chandler, taking over the former Serrano’s Mexican Food Restaurant. Score $2 street tacos with fillings such as asada, al pastor, barbacoa, chicken, sausage, potato, and beer-battered shrimp or cod. You can also get the same fillings in quesadillas, loaded fries, nachos, and baked potatoes.
Angie’s Launches Nine-Location Expansion Across Metro Phoenix
Angie’s The New Fast Food is kicking off a whopping nine-location expansion with a new restaurant in Phoenix. Co-founded by Salad and Go’s Tony Christofellis, the concept serves up $4.99 salads with grilled chicken, $3.99 USDA Prime beef tacos, and 12-inch pizzas starting at $6.99. Additional locations are planned for Queen Creek, Mesa, Maricopa, Goodyear, and Casa Grande.
Pizzicata Reopens Its Carefree Restaurant
Pizzicata just reopened its Carefree location and is ready to serve guests fresh Italian food again, and we couldn’t be happier. Here’s what to expect with the new opening: a redesigned dining room with textured walls and charcoal-colored resin floors, a fancy new black-and-gold bar serving up Italian wines, cocktails, and bites, a view of the kitchen, and an updated patio. All good stuff–we can’t wait to see it.
Homme Thai Supper Club Opens in Uptown Phoenix
Chef Vivid “Gabby” Chu, the talent behind LeDu Thai, just opened Homme Thai Supper Club, which will bring Southern Thai family recipes to Uptown Phoenix. Dishes include the Hat Yai fried chicken and slow-simmered curries, plus craft cocktails and select Arizona wines.
Phantom Fox and Goat & Ram Bring Beer and Wood-Fired Pizza to Tempe
Welcome Downtown Tempe’s new beer-and-pizza destination: Phantom Fox Beer Co. and Goat & Ram. Located in the former Illegal Pete’s space near Mill Avenue, the collaboration merges the owners of Mesa’s Chupacabra Taproom with the team behind Goat & Ram’s wood-fired pizzas. When you have a team like that, expect goodness in the form of specialty pies and locally brewed beer.
Costa Bella Italian Kitchen Opens in North Scottsdale
Pasta night has a new address in Scottsdale. Costa Bella Italian Kitchen opened off Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard, serving coastal-inspired Italian dishes such as rigatoni Bolognese, lasagna al forno, and seafood, along with happy hour specials.
Rosati’s Pizza Opens in Queen Creek
Rosati’s Pizza arrived in Queen Creek this month, bringing Chicago-style pizzas, sandwiches, and Italian-American comfort food to the Q.C.
Los Milics Vineyards Opens New Scottsdale, Mozzarella Bar
Southern Arizona winemaker Pavle Milic brings Los Milics Vineyards back to Old Town Scottsdale with a new tasting room and mozzarella bar. The concept marries Arizona wines with freshly-pulled mozzarella, prepared in an open kitchen and served on one of two patios, or indoors, whatever you prefer.
Lenny’s Craft Burger Opens Near Revel Surf in Mesa
Arizona-grown Lenny’s Craft Burger opened a new Mesa location near Revel Surf, giving diners another place to grab burgers after a day at Arizona’s only surf park. (Yes, you can surf in Arizona!)
Spinato’s Pizzeria Expands Into West Valley
Locally grown Spinato’s Pizzeria & Family Kitchen opened a new West Valley location, continuing the expansion of the family-owned Arizona pizza brand. Way to go, Spinatto’s!
Russo’s New York Pizzeria Opens Another Valley Location
Russo’s New York Pizzeria opened a Tempe restaurant for hungry college kids, and other hungry humans too. The New York-style pizzeria serves hand-tossed pizzas, house-made pasta, and Italian-American favorites.
Par Five Sports Grill Opens in Ahwatukee
Ahwatukee’s new Par Five Sports Grill is a sports-focused restaurant for those seeking a casual place to dine, drink, and watch games. When the game’s over, live music, DJs, and karaoke keep the entertainment going.
Cheba Hut Opens New South Scottsdale Location
Arizona-born toasted sub chain Cheba Hut has expanded into South Scottsdale. Yes, it’s still all about the signature toasted sandwiches.
PRESS Coffee Opens New Camelback Corridor Café
Locally founded PRESS Coffee is at it again. This time, it’s in Phoenix’s Camelback Corridor, adding another café to its growing Valley presence.
Closings
Scott’s Generations Closes After 37 Years in Phoenix
We’re sad to say goodbye to this legendary Phoenix institution. Scott’s Generations, the beloved New York-style Jewish deli founded by father-and-son duo Gene and Scott Snyder in 1989, served its final meals on Sunday, October 25. Known for overstuffed sandwiches, homemade soups, smoked fish, knishes, and cheesecake, the restaurant earned numerous local accolades, including Phoenix New Times’ Best Jewish Deli award in 2026.
Scott Snyder shared, “We have watched kids who came in with their parents grow up and bring in children of their own.”
New Garden Restaurant Prepares to Close After 84 Years
As one of the few remaining reminders of the historic Chinatown that once occupied the area south of downtown, New Garden Restaurant’s impending loss is a tough one for the Valley. No official closing date yet, and there’s hope someone might swoop in and save it, so stay tuned!
Temporary Closures and Restaurant Changes
Cultivate Coffee Temporarily Closes Following Kitchen Fire
Cultivate Coffee is a beloved community staple in Sunnyslope, and we’re sad to learn of an accidental kitchen fire that put the shop out of commission. To keep things going, the Cultivate Coffee cart is running out of Sunnyside Commons at 11747 N. 19th Ave., Tuesday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Help spread the word to keep this business alive as it rebuilds.
Hai Noon Ends Regular Restaurant Service in Scottsdale
Hai Noon, the Japanese-Southwestern restaurant from James Beard Award-winning chef Nobuo Fukuda, ended regular dining service in south Scottsdale. The restaurant, located inside Sonder The Mariposa, announced the change in September and suggested that future events and collaborations may still be possible.
